SURE GOLDS. Muaythai Association of the Philippines (MAP) secretary-general Pearl Managuelod (left) says they can win at least four gold medals in the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games during last the TOPS forum at the National Press Club on Thursday (Aug. 15, 2019). Also in photo are (from left) dart player Bebang Orbeta, TOPS president Ed Andaya, and boxer and Josie A. Gabuco. (Photo courtesy of TOPS)
MANILA – The Muaythai Association of the Philippines (MAP) hopes to do well and contribute to the success of the country in the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila.
By doing well, MAP means “winning at least four of the nine gold medals at stake in the biennial competition scheduled Nov. 30-Dec. 11.”
“There’s no doubt we will do well (in the SEA Games). Walang duda dyan na kaya natin (There is no doubt that we can deliver),”said MAP secretary-general Pearl Managuelod said, during the 35th “Usapang Sports” presented by the Tabloids Organization Philippine Sports (TOPS) at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday.
“Sigurado ako (I'm sure) we will have medals in all nine events in the SEA Games, pero sa gold hindi ko masasabi (but I’m not certain about the golds),” added Managuelod, who is taking a break in her Sports Psychology studies at the University of Ottawa in Canada.
Managuelod, however, did not reveal the names of the Muaythai athletes who will most likely win gold medals for the country for fear that the opponent will scout them.
Managuelod is also confident about the future of Muaythai in the country under the leadership of his father, retired police general Lucas Managuelod.
She claimed that a vibrant and strong program is in place in Muaythai since 2014.
“We are very strong, very aggressive in our grassroots development program. May (we have) regional championships, national championships. Yun mga chapters naming (Our chapters) around the country are also very active on their own,” said Managuelod in the forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Community Basketball Association and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks.
When asked about the 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia, Managuelod admitted the team did not perform well.
“In 2017 SEA Games in Malaysia, there were only five events and we were able to get only one bronze medal, but in other international events, we always won medals," she said.
Managuelod, who graduated from the University of the Philippines, also takes pride in attracting more women to join Muaythai since 2014.
“We’re actually concentrating on the development of our female athletes. Last March, we started with the Women’s Martial Arts and Sports Festival. Madami na talaga nagkaka-interest na pumasok ako nun 2014. Nakikita nila na hindi lang ito pang-lalaki (Many have expressed interest since I entered in 2014. They found that this is not only for men),” she said.
Managuelod lauded the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for creating the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI).
“Ang maganda kay (The good thing about) (PSC chairman Butch) Ramirez is he created PSI. Merong group of psychologists at nakikita kong natutulungan naman talaga ang mga athletes. Skill-wise, nandun na tayo. Ang kulang na lang yun sa mental part (There is a group of psychologists who really help the athletes. Skill-wise, we have it. What we are lacking is the mental part),” Managuelod said.
Of the 11 SEA countries, only East Timor is not competing in Muaythai. (PR)
